Press Releases

» Japan Provides New Ambulance to Kiribati's Health Sector

The Government of Japan has provided a new ambulance worth US$40,618.00 (approximately A$51,000.00) under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme for the Betio Hospital in Kiribati.

The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Kenro Iino will officially handover the new ambulance to the representatives of the Betio Hospital at 10.00a.m. on 13th July 2005 at the Ministry of Health Office.

The Betio Hospital of Kiribati is located about thirty (30) kilometres away from the main referral hospital and provides services to approximately 20,000 people living in Betio Island. The Government of Japan anticipates that this new ambulance would facilitate and expedite transportation of sickly people to Betio Hospital thus reducing the waiting time and save lives of people.

Japan's assistance to this project indicates its commitment to the improvement of the living standards and welfare of people in Kiribati and is in line with its Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy of promoting development at the grassroots level. The GGP programme is specifically designed to address basic human needs, which include water supply, health, basic education, vocational training and rural infrastructure. This assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the governments and the people of Kiribati and Japan.